February 9, 2024
Vein issues, whether they are spider veins or larger varicose veins, can be a cause for concern for many people who suffer with them. Fortunately, advancements in treatment options have paved the way for effective vein removal procedures, with two of the most common treatments being Sclerotherapy and Microsclerotherapy.
Here at Dr Newmans Clinic, we provide innovative solutions to thread and varicose vein removal, so we recognise the importance of understanding the differences between these options to provide our patients with tailored and effective treatment.
In general, Sclerotherapy is a suitable treatment for larger veins (varicose veins), while Microsclerotherapy, using ultra-fine needles and specialised solutions, targets smaller veins like spider veins and thread veins (often for cosmetic-focussed treatments). Deciding which is the most appropriate treatment depends on the size and nature of the affected veins.
Sclerotherapy is a time-tested and widely used treatment for the removal of varicose and spider veins. It involves the injection of a sclerosing agent, usually in liquid form, directly into the targeted veins. This solution irritates the lining of the blood vessels, causing them to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body, making them disappear and no longer visible from the skin’s surface.
Sclerotherapy has now been greatly improved with the help of duplex ultrasound scanning, which is a non-invasive and painless test used to determine the cause of your varicose veins. It helps us get a full and accurate 'map' of the veins; combining two different sound-imaging techniques (Doppler and B-mode) to get the fullest possible visualisation of the vein.
Prior to treatment, a consultation is required which involves a thorough assessment of the veins to identify the type, size, and location of the problematic veins. We use polarised light, so that we are able to determine the size and depth of your thread veins and advise how much treatment is recommended.
During your appointment, a fine needle is used to inject the sclerosing solution directly into the affected veins. The solution initiates a reaction that causes the veins to seal shut. Afterwards, we’ll apply a light-pressure dressing, which can be removed overnight or the following day.
Over time, the treated veins will start to fade and will be absorbed by the body, resulting in smoother and clearer skin.
Microsclerotherapy is a specialised variation of traditional sclerotherapy designed specifically for the treatment of smaller veins, such as spider veins and thread veins. The main difference in the treatments is the use of an even finer needle and a micro sclerosing solution, allowing for precise targeting of smaller veins that may be challenging to treat with standard sclerotherapy.
Needle size - Microsclerotherapy uses an ultra-fine needle, which allows the injection of the sclerosing solution into smaller veins with extreme precision.
Sclerosing solution - The solution used in microsclerotherapy is specifically formulated for smaller veins; it is effective treatment for the veins without damaging surrounding tissues.
Focused treatment - Microsclerotherapy is particularly effective for addressing spider veins and thread veins, providing targeted treatment for finer vascular concerns (rather than larger varicose veins).
When it comes to treating your damaged veins, there are many considerations that our specialists will discuss with you to determine which treatment is right for you.
The choice between Sclerotherapy and Microsclerotherapy depends on the nature and size of the veins in question, that’s why at Dr Newmans Clinic, our vein removal specialists leverage their expertise to recommend the most suitable treatment for each individual. Whether it's the versatility of Sclerotherapy or the precision of Microsclerotherapy, our focus remains on providing personalised and effective solutions for our patients.
If you're considering vein removal and would like to explore the options available to you, contact us for a comprehensive consultation.
Simply contact us for an appointment at your nearest Dr Newmans Clinic. Feel free to call us on 0203 002 2274 or email us at clinic@drnc.co.uk
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